DOJ Seeks User Data From Apple And Google In EZ Lynk Emissions Case

The Department of Justice is seeking names, addresses and purchase histories of at least 100,000 users of an app made by Cayman Islands-based EZ Lynk. The subpoenas target Apple, Google, Amazon and Walmart and were issued between March and April 2026.

The data requests are part of a civil case filed by the DOJ in 2021. Prosecutors allege EZ Lynk sold "defeat devices" that remove emissions controls in violation of the Clean Air Act. EZ Lynk disputes the claim and says its software is also used for performance monitoring and other modifications.

Court filings show Apple and Google were asked for details on anyone who downloaded the Auto Agent app. Amazon and Walmart received requests for records of customers who bought the related hardware. Apple and Google plan to challenge the subpoenas, according to a joint letter filed by the parties earlier this month.

" The company argued that identifying every user is unnecessary for the litigation. The government responded that it has consistently sought customer information to locate witnesses who can describe how the products were used. It cited forum posts and social-media evidence already presented to the court.

McBrien of the Electronic Privacy Information

Center said obtaining personal data for every customer through discovery falls outside Fourth Amendment protections. " Justin Montalbano, president of the Car Hacking Village at Def Con, said subpoenaing user data is not the right approach to enforcing emissions rules.

He suggested annual vehicle inspections as an alternative. The case previously drew attention when EZ Lynk unsuccessfully argued it was protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. A judge rejected that defense in August 2025.